Exley Head Pre-school

Storytelling, outdoor movement and individual support shaped children's experience at Exley Head Pre-school in September 2023. Based at Lees Methodist Church in Keighley, it has 26 places in total. At its September 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good, judged safeguarding effective and identified support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) as a strength.

Children attending in September 2023 were aged two to four. The strongest examples from that period show how ordinary play became learning: retelling stories, experimenting with paint and practising balance outdoors.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing these together through play and everyday experiences. In September 2023, seasonal themes shaped activities, with children exploring dinosaurs alongside natural materials such as pine cones and sticks. Uninterrupted play gave them time to pursue their ideas.

Dear Zoo provided an opportunity to anticipate a story's next development, while The Farmer's in the Den gave children practice in playing a traditional game and waiting for their turn. Stories also travelled outdoors, where children acted out giants. These examples connect language with imaginative and social play.

In September 2023, the garden included a climbing frame and a slope, with ride-on cars adding another way to practise movement. Children climbed, pushed and rolled, using the outdoor space for different physical challenges.

At the September 2023 inspection, Ofsted asked staff to extend children's understanding of the world more consistently, including explaining dinosaur names and why outdoor water paintings dried. The issue was the depth of the conversation around an activity, rather than the choice of materials.

In September 2023, support for SEND included individual adult help, planned support programmes and close working with other professionals and training to administer children's medication. Concerns about development were identified promptly. These were practical mechanisms for tailoring support to a child's needs.

Communication with families combined daily conversations with written learning records in September 2023. Borrowable book bags included guidance for reading at home, giving parents a concrete activity to continue beyond the setting. Staff also responded to speech concerns and modelled pronunciation during conversation.

Safety routines in September 2023 included controlling access to the building and garden, following choking-hazard guidance when preparing snacks and procedures governing mobile phones. These details explain the arrangements behind the safeguarding judgement.

The address is Lees Methodist Church, Haworth Road, Keighley, BD22 9DL. In September 2023, opening hours ran from 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.

Funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children formed part of the provision in September 2023. That historical offer belongs alongside the term-time opening pattern, rather than being treated as a promise of a particular funded booking today.

• Teaching depth. September 2023's improvement priority concerned extending understanding during play. On a visit, ask how staff now develop children's questions about natural processes and the world around them.
• Individual support. September 2023's provision included individual help and programmes involving other professionals. Families seeking SEND support should discuss how these arrangements would translate into a plan for their child.
• Attendance fit. The September 2023 opening pattern was term-time weekdays, ending at 3pm. What attendance pattern can the pre-school offer your family now?

Exley Head Pre-school merits consideration by families drawn to story-led play, physical activity and individual developmental support. Its September 2023 assessment was positive, with a clear teaching priority to weigh alongside those strengths. The term-time weekday pattern documented then would suit families seeking care within that rhythm.